granulomas

Granulomas are small clusters of immune cells that form in the body in response to chronic infections, inflammation, or foreign substances that the immune system cannot eliminate. They act as a containment effort, isolating the offending agents to prevent damage to surrounding tissues. These clusters are made up mainly of immune cells called macrophages, which may fuse together to form giant cells, surrounded by other immune cells. Granulomas are commonly seen in conditions like tuberculosis or sarcoidosis. While they help control harmful agents, their presence can also interfere with normal tissue function and indicate ongoing disease processes.